Photographed on September 3, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. See you next year.

Photographed on September 3, 26. This is the matchmaking wind chime at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The matchmaking wind chime event has ended.

Today, I visited the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I came to express my gratitude for passing the exam. I thought there would be fewer people since it was 8 AM on a weekday, but it turned out to be the Good Relationship Prayer Festival.

Photographed on September 1, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I made a big move from Yokohama to Kawagoe, and my energy ran out before sunset, so I left early.

Taken on September 1, 2026. These are the matchmaking wind chimes from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The matchmaking wind chimes have ended.

Taken on September 1, 2026. This is the matchmaking wind chime at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The matchmaking wind chime will be available until September 6.

Photographed on September 1, 26. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I found a red thread wind chime.

Taken on September 1, 26. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It was a big move from Ichibanchou to Yokohama to Kawagoe.

Located in Sanuki City, Kagawa Prefecture, the "Sanuki Winery" is set in the Oogushi Nature Park area on a hillside, offering views of the Seto Inland Sea and its islands. This place not only produces wine but also serves as a tourist spot to learn about the local grape industry and wine culture of Sanuki. The winery uses grapes and fruits grown in Kagawa Prefecture to make its wines, including the wine grape "Koda Noh R-1" developed by Kagawa University’s Faculty of Agriculture, showcasing a close relationship with local agriculture. In recent years, they have also introduced wines such as "Sanuki Red, Sanuki White, and Sanuki Rose," offering a range from red and white wines to rosé. In addition to wine, grape juice is also a highly recommended product. For those who do not drink alcohol, tasting the sweet flavor of the grapes themselves is a great option to bring home as a souvenir. At the Sanuki Winery, visitors can tour the actual wine production facility. From grape processing and fermentation to bottling, one can gain a close-up understanding of the wine-making process. After the tour, visitors can explore the Bussan Center, where they can purchase wine and grape juice, as well as various local Sanuki products. Current information indicates that the winery's visiting hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Tuesdays (open on national holidays). Additionally, the winery offers a "wine soft serve ice cream" that is perfect for hot seasons. The ice cream is made with grape juice as a base and includes a small amount of Sanuki wine, with an alcohol content of less than 0.01%, allowing even non-drinkers to enjoy a grape-flavored dessert with a hint of wine. The rich grape aroma combined with the cool, smooth texture makes it a delightful snack after visiting the winery. There is also an interesting story connecting Sanuki wine with local industry. In the past, a very niche product called "Sanuki Wine Beef" was introduced, where the grape pomace generated during the wine-making process was mixed into the feed for crossbred cattle. This type of beef is characterized by a higher ratio of red meat, lower fat, and tender texture, and was promoted as a specialty product of Sanuki City. In other words, the leftover grape pomace from wine production was not wasted but returned to the local industry in another form. From wine and grape juice to grape soft serve ice cream, and even the once-offered Sanuki Wine Beef, one can see how a local winery connects with agriculture, livestock, and tourism. Visiting here is not just about buying a bottle of wine, but also about experiencing the local flavor of Sanuki through factory tours, tasting grape products, and enjoying the scenery of the Seto Inland Sea.

Taken on August 6, 26. This is the matchmaking wind chime from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine and Hikawa Ryōfū-sō. Hikawa Ryōfū-sō is open until today (August 31).

Taken on July 30, 26. This is Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine and Hikawa Ryōfūsō. We are open until the 31st.

Taken on August 27, 2026. This is the Aitai fortune slip from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Taken on August 27, 2026. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Taken on August 27, 2014. I visited Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. These are the matchmaking wind chimes. I prayed for good luck on my exam. 🙏

Photographed on August 6, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine and Hikawa Kaikan.

Taken on August 6, 26. Kawagoe Hikawa Kaikan, featuring red and white wind chimes tied with a decorative cord.

Photographed on August 16, 2026. The wind chimes on the benches at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine had changed to a love color.

Photographed on August 16, 26. This is the peach parfait from Hikawa Suzukaze-sou. It includes tai monaka, coconut meringue, lychee & raspberry macaron, almond cookie, peach milk sorbet, whipped cream & soufflé cheesecake, almond sable, peach & raspberry, and chewy peach jelly & lychee agar.

On August 22, 2026, the 8th Bungo Buono Station Front Marche was held in Mie Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The venue featured various stalls offering light snacks such as shaved ice and sweets, as well as drinks like juice and coffee. Additionally, there were lottery draws, free tuk-tuk rides, and a light truck sauna, making it a bustling event from evening until night. The stage showcased a variety of performances including children's taiko drumming, ukulele, kagura, hula, and kids' dance, culminating in a lively lottery and mochi throwing that drew cheers from all around the venue. A heartfelt thank you to all the vendors, performers, and attendees. ■■Access to the center of Bungoono City from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour and 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour and 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourist attractions and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Taken on August 16, 2014. I relaxed at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine and Hikawa Ryōfūsō. It's cold Kawagoe Green Tea.

A Hot Night with Beer Friday, July 31st The "Forest Beer Garden" organized by the Chamber of Commerce Youth Division was held!🍺🎉 With a sky that looked like it might rain and cooler temperatures, this year it took place in the Plum Hall of Hotel Rimu. While an outdoor beer garden is fun, having it indoors where you can eat and drink comfortably was also great! In addition to skewered dumplings, grilled chicken, frankfurters, soba and udon, edamame, french fries, bang bang chicken, takoyaki, shaved ice, cotton candy… this year there were also special menu items from the hotel! With a luxurious food menu, the line for drinks never seemed to end. I couldn't stop eating either!🤤 Thank you to everyone who came out!! #Nishiokoppe Village #Beer Garden #Chamber of Commerce Youth Division #Hotel Rimu #Summer

Photographed on July 26, 2026. This is the illuminated wind chimes for matchmaking at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Photo taken on July 26, 2026. This is the illuminated wind chime display for matchmaking at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Photographed on July 26, 2026. Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, clouds on the ground.

Taken on July 26, 2014. Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, a shining river.🌌 I want to go take pictures again.

Taken on July 26, 2026. This is the illumination of the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine's matchmaking wind chimes. I found a red thread wind chime.

Taken on July 26, 2026. This is the illuminated wind chime display at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I looked up at the wind chime corridor from below.

Taken on July 26, 2026. This is the light-up of the wind chimes for matchmaking at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The wind chime corridor next to the main hall.

Photographed on July 26, 2026. This is the light-up of the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, featuring the matchmaking wind chimes.

Photographed on July 26, 2014. This is the illuminated wind chimes for matchmaking at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The rain has just cleared.